Help buying additional RAM

I'm going to pick up a new PB, and I know that Apple's RAM prices are outrageous. When I got my iMac, I got an upgrade from RAMJET. It's worked great with no problems. I'm looking for DDR2 modules for the new PBs, and I have a question.

Do I need to get a memory module specifically labeled for the PB, or can I use any DDR2-533 PC2-4200 module. RAMJET doesn't show any DDR2 modules, and Crucial has this one for about $135. Someone on another thread posted a link to this Kingston module from ZipZoomFly, for under $100. That would save $70 on two modules. Will the Kingston module work?

I've seen RAM in CompUSA that was specifically "flashed" or configured for iMac or PowerMac voltages. Is this a load of crap, or is it needed?

I'm going to pick up a new PB, and I know that Apple's RAM prices are outrageous. When I got my iMac, I got an upgrade from RAMJET. It's worked great with no problems. I'm looking for DDR2 modules for the new PBs, and I have a question.

Do I need to get a memory module specifically labeled for the PB, or can I use any DDR2-533 PC2-4200 module. RAMJET doesn't show any DDR2 modules, and Crucial has this one for about $135. Someone on another thread posted a link to this Kingston module from ZipZoomFly, for under $100. That would save $70 on two modules. Will the Kingston module work?

I've seen RAM in CompUSA that was specifically "flashed" or configured for iMac or PowerMac voltages. Is this a load of crap, or is it needed?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Nobody can answer this question until the vendors test and approve RAM in these models of Mac. The problem with buying generic RAM from a discounter is that you are shouldering the risk -- if it doesn't work you are out the time, trouble and shipping charges to return it, and worst-case, a restocking charge. If the seller has sold it as compatible RAM, you have some assurance and will likely not have the extra costs.

The "voltage" of the RAM is not pertinent; that is set by the DDR or DDR-2 standard. What can be "flashed" on a RAM module are the serial presence detect (SPD) settings. If those are not correct, then many models of Mac will not accept the RAM.

I'm going to pick up a new PB, and I know that Apple's RAM prices are outrageous. When I got my iMac, I got an upgrade from RAMJET. It's worked great with no problems. I'm looking for DDR2 modules for the new PBs, and I have a question.

Do I need to get a memory module specifically labeled for the PB, or can I use any DDR2-533 PC2-4200 module. RAMJET doesn't show any DDR2 modules, and Crucial has this one for about $135. Someone on another thread posted a link to this Kingston module from ZipZoomFly, for under $100. That would save $70 on two modules. Will the Kingston module work?

I've seen RAM in CompUSA that was specifically "flashed" or configured for iMac or PowerMac voltages. Is this a load of crap, or is it needed?

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Yes, I have the very same question. Will it work? I called Kingston and they suggested against getting the $100 chips because they weren't guaranteed to be compatible whereas their specially powerbook designed chips ($188) are guaranteed.

Is there any way to find out given the specifications on this Kingston RAM?

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